Visit Herefordshire

Wide open landscapes, hills and woodlands, secret waterfalls and swimming places, mountains and hills to climb to escape. The best kept secrets. We know quite a few! Come and stay with us and we’ll help you to unlock this hidden county on the borderlands of Wales.

Do you like quiet roads? It may seem an effort to get here, as the nearest motorway ends at Ross-on-Wye or Ledbury but the effort is worth it. The rewards are:- beautiful gardens; quaint tea shops, craft workshops. swimming and fishing, canoeing and rafting even gorge walking. Footpaths criss cross the county so plenty to discover – always with a great bakery or pub nearby.  England’s highest golf course is at Kington (10 miles) and there is another course at Wormsley (5 miles). Cycling is challenging and trails can be worked out and bicycles and trailers hired from Wheeley Wonderful.

Upper Newton Farm sits in Glorious Herefordshire countryside
Upper Newton Farm sits in Glorious Herefordshire countryside

Hay-on-Wye is close by

‘Herefordshire Holidays’ cottages are perfectly placed to explore the gorgeous Marches borderland – we are just 2 miles from the Welsh Border so  great walks, castles and stately homes such as Berrington Hall and Croft Castle National Trust properties.

Of course, there is the twice-yearly Hay Literature Festival in May and November.

Hereford is only 12 miles away and the market towns of Leominster, Hay-on-Wye, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Bromyard are all within easy reach: each have their own charms.

The farmhouse accommodation is listed on the “Black and White Villages” trail which meanders through Jacobean cruck framed villages. If you choose to drive, cycle or walk the trail you will find it includes tempting tea shops, artisan craft makers and galleries, near to picnicking spots on the River Wye and a collection of high quality antique markets and shops (Leominster).

Herefordshire gardens

You are welcome to explore the gardens at Herefordshire Holidays. Additionally, one of the hidden secrets of Herefordshire is the wealth of stunning gardens and nurseries.  Our favourites include:

  • Stocktonbury Gardens, Leominster
  • Bryan’s Ground, Presteigne
  • Hampton Court Gardens, Leominster
  • Hergest Croft, Kington
  • Hellens Manor, Much Marcle
  • National Trust destinations include Croft Castle, Berrington Hall and The Weir Garden
  • The Laskett (Sir Roy Strong)
  • Rhodds Farm
  • Ralph Court

There are nearly 50 gardens in Herefordshire open under the NGS Yellow Book scheme for 2022 with plenty more in Shropshire, Worcestershire and Powys close by.

Herefordshire gardens
Felt Bottle covers
Felt bottle covers by Pearl Taylor

Galleries and Arts Events

Made in the Marches Gallery in Kington is worth a visit. Marches Makers has an annual festival in August. Pembridge Old Chapel Gallery is also one of our favourites for an eclectic mix.

In September each year the renowned HArt open studio event happens across Herefordshire. This includes the CUP Open Access Ceramic Community and members of Creative Breaks. HArt provides a great opportunity for you to visit many studios and try a wide variety of crafts, including felt making and ceramics with Pearl Taylor of Herefordshire Holidays.

Eating out

Nearby is the Michelin starred restaurant: The Stagg Inn at Titley, just beyond Kington. One of our favourite destinations is the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey. For afternoon teas you are spoilt for choice in the local villages and there are good farm shops close by.

Herefordshire produce

Events and things to see and do

We have an updated monthly list of local festivals, fetes and one off events and use the locally produced ‘Broad Sheep‘ to keep up-to-date with the local music and craft scene. We can help you to plan your visit in advance especially with Covid restrictions meaning you still need to book certain attractions in advance.  The Small Breeds Farm and Owl Centre at Kington for children is a must see. Pentre Farm at Presteigne is ideal for little ones to get close to animals.

There is a forest school at Bucknell for outstanding adventures.

Play Planet Hereford with a miniature high street is a wonderful soft play centre and great for youngsters as a rainy day activity.

Walking

There are circular woodland walks on the farm itself and you can stroll through the apple orchards. The Marches area is full of lovely walks of all different grades. Go west from us for more strenuous routes including Pen-y-Fan, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Brecon Beacons. Alternatively, go east to walk on the Malvern Hills or along the River Wye for a  gentle stroll. There are plenty of ideas on this site.

Wild Swimming and Waterfalls

There are delightful, and fairly well hidden, places where you can wild swim, bird watch and hike. We wild swim safely with Angela Jones Swim Wild. If you prefer the warmth of an indoor pool then Presteigne, Leominster and Hereford pools are all within 10-15 miles.

Pony Trekking

For the best hacking out and riding lessons in Mid Wales try Bryngwyn Riding Centre. For natural horsemanship and riding the Glyndwr Way have a look at Brandy House Farm, Knighton.

Sports Facilities

For a nominal fee you can play tennis at Eardisley Tennis and Croquet Club. There are indoor and outdoor courts for hire at Leominster Leisure Centre. If you like playing golf, there are fabulous views from both Wormsley and Kington golf courses.

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